Changes are afoot at Markel International.
The specialist insurer has this morning revealed plans to streamline its wholesale operation –promoting James Hastings to the role of managing director of wholesale.
The move will see the wholesale unit operate with seven divisions – led by the following divisional managing directors who will all report to Hastings: Rohan Davis, energy; James Leach, personal accident; Chris Fenn, marine; Ewa Rose, trade credit, political risk and surety; Scott Bailey, cyber; Juliet Redfern, equine and livestock; and David Sawyer, professional and financial risks. The restructure also sees Chris Stobbs, managing director for Asia, report into Hastings.
In a statement from the insurer issued today it was outlined that the changes in structure would “allow a more focused approach to how the business operates, how it meets the needs of broking clients and customers and how it identifies opportunities for growth and product development.” It is also hoped it will bring with it operational efficiencies, particularly around data analytics, marketing and communications.
As for Hastings himself, he will report to Markel International president William Stovin, and is set to take a place on the board of directors for Markel International Insurance Company Ltd and Markel Syndicate Management Limited. He joined the firm back in 2013, then as managing director of professional and financial risks, before moving into the role of head of the specialty and financial lines division.
“We have seen significant growth over recent years and we now have two very clear operations, wholesale and national markets,” said Stovin. “It is important that both have a leader, James for wholesale and Henrik Bjornstad for national markets, with ultimate accountability to provide strategic direction for each division, but to also recognise opportunities for synergy across both.
“James has consistently demonstrated a drive and passion for progress, which along with his membership of the Markel International ExCo, since January 2018, makes him ideally placed to deliver our goals for the wholesale business. The strength in depth of this newly formed management team creates a fantastic platform from which we can attack future opportunities and drive profitable growth.”
